How to Hang Three Curtains on One Window

Tiebacks may help unleash your inner decorator.

Even confident decorators often think that once they hang curtains, they must remain in that same configuration forever. Don’t lock yourself into this way of thinking, especially if you have a wide window that requires three curtains to cover. There is no better way to change the look and feel of a room than by making some quick, stylish changes to curtains. Set yourself up for success by undertaking a few creative measures beforehand.

1

Assess the functionality of your windows and the location of any window hardware. For example, it may not be wise to drape curtains in a tie-back along the working of a sliding window-door. On the other hand, this decorating option might be worthwhile if you don’t plan to use this location as an entry or exit point, such as during very cold or very hot months.

2

Feed all three panels onto a rod through the upper casing or tabs, making sure all three are right side out.

3

Mount simple tie-back hooks on both sides of your window so they can hold the panels back but don’t create an eyesore when you choose to let the curtains hang directly over the window.

4

Tie back the outer two curtains on your window and adjust the middle curtain to your liking. You can spread the middle curtain so that it covers as much of the window as possible or arrange it so that it forms a narrow wedge on the window and tie it with a separate tieback around the panel. This latter option may be particularly compelling; a narrow curtain panel can be eye-catching when it is framed by two curtains that are tied back.

5

Pull back two adjacent panels of the three curtains into a tie-back, creating a left-to-right or right-to-left swoop on the window, depending on your window hardware. Let the third curtain hang gracefully down the other side of the window or gather it with a tie-back of its own.

6

Install a double rod and hang one curtain, if it is sheer, on the back rod and two curtains on the front rod. The sheer creates a graceful backdrop for the two outer curtains. When the sheer is closed, it has an elegant look by day and provides some privacy. At night draw the heavier pair of panels across the sheer for privacy, opening it in the morningto let the sun filter through the sheer panel.

7

Hang two curtains on the rod and drape the third over the rod so the curtain dips to form a gentle scallop in the middle of the window. If your curtains are sheer or lightweight, you may have to wrap the ends of the draped around the ends of the pole once to secure it. Similar to a scarf, this look helps make your window look more unified, especially if the three curtains are of the same fabric.

8

Install a traverse rod so you can either pull all three curtains in the same direction for ease and simplicity or two curtains in one direction and the third curtain in the other. Assess your window hardware before deciding which is the better way for your curtains to open on your window. A traverse rod is suitable for curtains that hang on drapery hooks.

Things You Will Need

Stepladder

Tieback hooks

Variety of tiebacks

Tips

Keep a steamer handy if you decide to untie your curtains and want them to hang over the window without pleat marks or gathers.

Assemble an assortment of tie-back materials. Don’t be limited to the traditional tie-backs available in stores. Use garland during the holidays, silk scarves or ribbons for other special occasions. The more options you can find for tie-backs, the more likely you will be to alter the look of the three curtains on your window and update the look of your room.

Consider sewing two panels together so you don't have to draw each one separately and they don't gap when closed. You could even sew all three panels together and cut the middle panel down its center. Hem back the sides to create two panels of equal size for a more traditional look.

About the Author

With education, health care and small business marketing as her core interests, M.T. Wroblewski has penned pieces for Woman's Day, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and many newspapers and magazines. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University.